JAMES Hook will take centre stage when Wales go up against a ruthless New Zealand side sure to bombard the makeshift full-back on Saturday.

A foot injury has robbed Warren Gatland of the comforting presence of Lee Byrne and the boss has turned to his Ospreys team-mate Hook to fill the void.

The 24-year-old fly-half/centre has made just one international start in the position, against South Africa in Pretoria a year ago, and has been studying tape of Byrne to get up to speed.

Yet Hook has got the backing of a man who knows a fair thing about being shifted into the unfamiliar position of full-back.

Wales kicking coach Neil Jenkins had to cope with being thrown the number 15 jersey and played himself into British and Irish Lions folklore in it on the 1997 tour to South Africa.

“Hooky is a great player who can play anywhere, 10, 12, 13, 15, even on the wing. He could probably play at nine if you wanted him to – he is that talented,” said Jenkins.

“Sometimes it’s not fair on him because he can play in so many different positions.

“But he’s a great player who just wants to play for his country – he is just happy to play anywhere in the team.

“I was more of a 10, whereas Hooky is more talented than myself and can play in more positions than I could.

“I always saw myself as a 10 and nothing else. That’s what I found difficult when I was switched.

“We’ve helped him as much as we can in practice, but he is a confident young lad.

“He’ll have a tough afternoon with Carter’s kicking game and the way New Zealand play, but we’ve worked our socks off in that area to try to bring him up to the pace of it and give him an understanding of that role.

“But James has played a lot of rugby at fly-half as well, so he understands the space and what 10s are looking for. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

Wales don’t lose anything in terms of a big boot by having Hook instead of Byrne and Jenkins believes the kicking game has become increasingly important.

With flanker Richie McCaw ready to be a menace at the breakdown and fly-half Dan Carter ready to punish any infringements, fitness permitting, Wales cannot afford to take risks.

Jenkins said: “Sometimes you go for length, other times you put in attacking kicks, crossfield kicks, over the top or grubber kicks. It’s all about breaking up the defence.

“So many teams are well organised in defence now that sometimes the only way through is to use a kicking game.

“It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but the reality is that in today’s game we have to accept it.

“You have to win the kicking battle.

“And the tackle area is so competitive, with so many penalties given away there.

“You daren’t give penalties away now from even 50 or 60 metres out. If you do, you pay the penalty. Winning that battle is key and being patient is key.”